I am Healthy UNH!
How do you make a Healthy UNH? Tell us about it.
We are looking for people on campus who choose to make decisions that impact their health in a positive way. We are not just looking for marathoners or people who have sworn off sugar altogether. We want to hear from average people making healthy choices. Maybe you intentionally park further from your office than you need to. Maybe you buy fresh, local produce at a Farmers Market. Maybe you relieve stress with yoga class. We want to hear it all! We will post your profile here.
Jennifer Hammond
Information Technologist
UNH Information Technology
Years Worked at UNH: 8
What does health mean to you?
Health means that my mind, heart and body are all working efficiently together. I wake up happy and I go to sleep content. It helps me be the best possible me I can be.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I utilize the great programs that UNH has to offer. Through the USNH Wellness Connection program I earn incentives to participate in regular activity. I utilize the $200 yearly reimbursement for wellness classes. I participate in the various Healthy UNH activities throughout the year. I am a member of The Works Health and Fitness Center in Somersworth NH. This facility offers endless wellness activities from swimming to Zumba. If I am not at The Works I can be found in the Employee Fitness Center at the field house on campus. By making wellness an important part of my life I demonstrate healthy behavior. A little encouragement can blossom into something amazing. I believe a healthy environment is a happy one.
How do you stay fit?
I enjoy a variety of activities. I participate in many races and especially enjoy the ones that contain mud pits and/or encourage costumes. I practice Vinyasa yoga 3-4 times a week. I also enjoy a crazy boot camp or hip hop dance class on occasion. My snow shoes also get a good workout in the winter. I enjoy laughing at myself doing Wii fit or Dance Central. I do love atomic pushups on the TRX and feel most comfortable cutting a rug wherever there is room and a good tune.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
Food is such a life force. We are so lucky to live where we do and have access to all kinds of great local harvests. Farmers markets are a great way to experience this harvest and support a sustainable world. Don’t be afraid to taste new things.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Staying healthy means I can rely less on external, material things to keep me happy. Maintaining my health has enabled me to live more simply. With my health I feel so much more alive and vibrant. Life is good.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
I have struggled with my weight for much of my life. I have remained active but my relationship with food has been rocky. I have recently discovered that if I feed my body rather than my mind and heart I will be in a much better place. Not really a new concept but one I have yet to fully have control over. It’s certainly a journey. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to get better with every breath.
Anything else you would like to add?
Wellness is so personal and really has to fit you. Find something you love and do it with all your heart. Although smiling more may seem too simple, it can help in so many ways. Healthy UNH relies on smiles.
Jonathan Paul
Registrar’s Office
Years Worked at UNH: 11
What does health mean to you?
It means being physically and mentally flexible.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I treat others with respect.
How do you stay fit?
by taking yoga and massages regularly
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
Pay attention to how I react to food.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Being healthy feels good. I like feeling good.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
a) Getting massages regularly has greatly reduced my carpal tunnel symptoms.
b) Reintroducing stretching and yoga into my routine has improved my overall well-being. UNH offers yoga twice a week on campus for staff and attending the sessions has been tremendously beneficial for me.
c) Using a standing-height desk has eliminated my lower back pains and increased my energy level and stamina.
Leah Burke
Intern
NH Institute for Health Policy and Practice
Years Worked at UNH: 1
What does health mean to you?
Health is the general feeling of wellness that I have: physically, mentally and emotionally. Keeping these three balanced makes me feel my best and most energetic.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I love to cook! Cooking keeps me in touch with my health because I know exactly what I’m putting into my body and how it makes me feel. Taking the time to prepare food for yourself makes you respect what you’re eating and where your food is coming from. Also, it’s a lot of fun and very gratifying.
How do you stay fit?
I try to sneak in exercise wherever possible. For example, since I live on the third floor of my apartment building, I do lunges up the stairs to my door. It doesn't take any extra time out of my day, but I can definitely feel the difference.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
I would recommend avoiding processed foods as much as possible, and using the best ingredients while cooking. Not only are foods grown locally fresher and have more nutrients, you’re also supporting your local economy by buying from members of your community.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
I stay motivated by setting goals. For example, I have a friend who is hosting a 5k race later in the spring. When I have a fitness goal to strive for, I’m more motivated to do the small things that will keep me in shape and healthy until then.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Keeping myself de-stressed with relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching and breathing exercises has affected my body in surprising ways, such as sleeping better at night and clearer skin.
Abbott Willard
Data Analyst
NH Institute for Health Policy and Practice
Years Worked at UNH: 1
What does health mean to you?
To me, health is about balance. I am not great about consuming “healthy” foods or beverages, so I do my best to practice moderation and stay active. I maintain a level of fitness that allows me to do activities that I enjoy without spending all my time in the gym. It is necessary for me to surround myself with friends and colleagues who will stimulate my mind while, at the same time, make me laugh.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I work in a Concord office and don’t spend much time on the UNH campus, but I do what I can to support my colleagues who run the Healthy UNH program.
How do you stay fit?
I love doing anything outside. In the summer I enjoy kayaking, hiking, biking, swimming, camping, etc. In the winter I ski, snowshoe, run, and whatever I can do to get out of my office chair.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
As I mentioned above, moderation and staying active is my best non-hypocritical advice. Try and keep the number of calories you output more or equal to the calories you input. If you stay up till 4 am partying with your friends one day then the next day you should take a nap, read a book, eat a salad, and go for a run.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Most of the things that make me happy require a certain level of activity. I know that I need to stay healthy so I can do those things not just now in my mid 30’s but also later in my mid 90’s.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
The majority of tangible improvements to health in my life have resulted from meeting new people with varying interests who help to diversify my activities and approaches to healthy living. By far the healthiest thing I have ever done was to marry a woman who insists on improving my health so that we can grow old together.
Anything else you would like to add?
In my opinion, the keys to a healthy, long life are to find a profession that you enjoy and that stimulates you, to surround yourself with people you care about who care about you, to laugh and to love, and to get outside and do the things that make you happy. If you disagree, then find whatever it is that will work for you and share your ideas and experiences with others.
Nilda Janelle
Senior Business Services Assistant
Business Services
Years Worked at UNH: 35
What does health mean to you?
Health means taking care of myself, physically and emotionally and eating a healthy diet.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I talk to my friends and co-workers about the importance of exercise and moving and trying to eat a healthy diet. We are fortunate here at UNH to have insurance that pays for a gym membership. I hope everyone will take advantage of it.
How do you stay fit?
I go to the gym 2-3 times a week, walk and ride my bicycle. I also mow my lawn, take care of flower and a vegetable garden and in the winter I shovel snow.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
I buy lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. I also need to cook good, healthy meals. It is not always easy to cook for one person. I know my weaknesses and try not to have those types of foods in the house. Weight has been a battle that I have fought all my life since a child.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
As I age I realize how much more important it is to take care of my body and eat healthy. Weight training at the gym has been one thing that has helped me tremendously.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Going to the gym on a weekly basis and trying to maintain a healthy weight. The exercise is also good for my mental health – it gives me more energy and has made me stronger. A year ago I trained for the Three Notch Bicycle Ride and I completed it, which was a big accomplishment for me at age 62. I am hoping to do it again this year.
Amy Costello
Project Director
NH Institute for Health Policy & Practice
Years Worked at UNH: 9
Do you feel that you have an active role in your health care decision-making?
Yes.
Do you have any tips for others who would like to get more involved in their medical decision-making?
Shop around. Ask friends. Ask for a couple of referrals. Ask for the pros and cons of the surgical options presented, then ask for the cost.
Have you had a conversation with your medical provider about your desire to learn more about your health care options?
Yes.
What type of results/experiences have you had in taking an active role in decision-making?In 2011, I was meeting with a surgeon to discuss surgical options for varicose veins. Two weeks before I went in for the inpatient procedure, I learned that the surgeon had left the practice. With this change, I took the opportunity to shop around and learned that another surgeon would perform the same procedure in an outpatient setting. The difference in the cost of the inpatient and outpatient procedures was approximately $17,000.
Maureen Miller
Business Manager II
Institute on Disability/Carsey Institute
Years Worked at UNH: 7
What does health mean to you?
To be well in body, mind and spirit. To have a positive attitude. To be disciplined in terms of decisions about choices related to nutrition, being active, and how much sleep I get each night.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I teach yoga to my co-workers at the Institute on Disability. (I work part time for the Institute and I own a yoga business as my ‘other’ job.)
How do you stay fit?
I practice yoga 3-5 times per week. I teach yoga 3 times per week. I walk almost every day.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
Shop at local farmers markets whenever possible – local food is best in terms of freshness and the least impact on the environment (reducing carbon footprint). Know what foods are best to purchase organic to reduce chemical intake. And when shopping at grocery stores stay toward the outside aisles. That is where we will find the freshest food. Minimize intake of packaged food and when purchasing packaged foods - read and understand the label/ingredients.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
I remember times when I did not feel well, and that motivates me to make better decisions.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Yoga changed my life. Yoga is not just about postures. Yoga teaches us to balance our lives – on and off the mat. Yoga practices (meditation, breathing techniques, affirmations/mantras, postures) contribute to being aware of how we are care for ourselves and by noticing that, and taking ownership, we are invited to transform the way we think so that we move toward more consistent, positive choices contributing to overall health. I believe when we live that way – we can also inspire others to make the best choices for themselves.
Anything else you would like to add?
I think it is critical to have support from family and friends. Choosing to spend time with people who support your healthy lifestyle will increase the likelihood of consistent, permanent change.
Lisa Corman
Registered Dietitian
UNH Dietetic Internship
Years Worked at UNH: 5
What does health mean to you?
Health, to me, is not defined by a number on a scale or a size. It’s about being active, eating well, and feeling good about yourself. It’s also about making the best choices for yourself to ensure you are around for many years to come!
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I help to run the dietetic internship, so I am training future dietitians. They work on many projects throughout the campus, whether it is at the dining halls, the Dairy Bar or Health Services. I also work for the Center for Health Enhancement (CHE), which runs the Weight Management program for faculty and staff. I love being a part of the nutrition program at UNH!
How do you stay fit?
For many years, I did aerobics. One day, on the UNH webpage, I saw the Homecoming 5K advertised. I wondered if I could run it. I hated running as a kid-I used to cry when we had to run a mile in gym class. So I signed up and the rest is history! I’ve been running for almost 4 years now-my favorite distance is the half marathon. But I am running the Boston Marathon again this year as a charity runner-this will be my third marathon. I still squeeze in aerobics and weight training on my non-running days though. I try to run 30-40 miles a week.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
Being a dietitian, I have plenty! The main thing I always stress is to make small changes to your eating patterns. The reason many people fail is they try to change too many things at once. Make a small change, such as cutting the amount of regular soda you drink in a day by half, and stick with that change for a week. Then next week, make an additional change. This will help prevent that deprived feeling many people experience when they try to do too much, too soon. And of course, if you need a lot of tips on how to eat healthfully, you should see the nutrition expert-a Registered Dietitian!
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
My number one motivator is my kids. Children always mimic the behaviors of their parents. My kids see me running and working out-and many times, they will ask if they can do it too! My 7 year old ran her first 5K this past Mother’s Day. And my 4 year old has her own set of 3 pound weights that she lifts J
My other motivator is to achieve my own personal best. When I run a race, I’m running against myself, always trying to set a new personal record. I find that when I take the time to eat right and keep my mileage up, the results can be seen.
I also have a family history of diabetes and heart disease. Even though some of it is genetic, I am trying to improve what I can through exercise and diet.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
I didn’t start running to lose weight, but I lost 30 pounds just by adding that change to my routine. I have been able to improve the distance and speed that I can run. My doctor is always telling me that my resting heart rate is very low, which is a good thing.
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m running the April 2011 Boston Marathon to benefit GoKids Boston, a charity that provide health and exercise opportunities to underserved children. They are making tremendous strides in the fight against childhood obesity. You can learn more about my fundraising efforts at www.firstgiving.com/lisacorman
Wild E. Cat
UNH Co-Mascot
Athletics
Years Worked at UNH: 10
What does health mean to you?
Health means maintaining strong muscles and a bright smile so that I'm received well by all students, children, and fans of UNH and feared by fans of our competing universities.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I want every student and fan of UNH to do just as I do and that is to adhere to the advice of our very esteemed faculty and bright students in our health-related majors. I get plenty of sleep (never in class), eat and drink only Wildcat-approved items in the dining halls, and keep my mind sharp with lots of reading.
How do you stay fit?
At our athletic events, I work the crowd by sharing high fives, hugs and laughs. I make sure to warm up and stretch properly before all games and drink lots of water when I get a break!
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
I eat plenty of crunchy foods that help to make my teeth sharp if ever I come up against terriers, huskies, eagles, or black bears! In the summer, I often take a fishing vacation up to Alaska and pig out on salmon full of those Omega 3s.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
I want to have plenty of energy to support our teams and make sure our fans cheer hard and return for the next game.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
A few years ago, my big brother Gnarlz started joining me at games and it has been great for my mental and physical health. It is good to have friends and family join you in things you love to do!
Anything else you would like to add?
GO ‘CATS!
Rochelle L'Italien
Registered Dietitian
UNH Dining
Years Worked at UNH: 19
What does health mean to you?
Health is mind, body, spirit – the whole package. I choose how I fuel my body, how I work my body for fitness and what I feed my mind with thoughts. I then can have a positive influence on myself, those around me, and how I contribute to my community and place on this planet.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I walk to meetings, always take the stairs, bike commute in good weather, choose fruits and vegetables first for meals and snacks. I participate in Healthy Returns at UNH and other wellness activities. I talk with students and staff to help inspire them to accept themselves and make good health choices for eating and fitness.
How do you stay fit?
Most days I follow a 6 day a week routine of workouts in my own living room - - two favorite programs being Insanity® and P90X® - - high intensity interval training and weight training routines in 60 and 90 day segments. Other favorites are outdoor biking (I completed a 100 mile ride this summer!) and snowboarding in winter. Also love to get active outside with hiking and flower gardening.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
Become more mindful of the choices and portion sizes you make for selecting and eating foods. Make more scratch meals at home, pack a snack and lunch, drink water, think colors to get more fruits and veggies for nutrient density. Slow down your pace of eating. Enjoy the taste.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Fitness is my mental health prescription so I prioritize it in my calendar. Getting up at 5am to do an hour workout is a challenge some days but getting out of bed is the hardest part – finishing the workout and knowing I can move on with the rest of my day knowing I didn’t skip it is so worth it to my sense of accomplishment and health. I also have a buddy system of like-minded folks keeping me accountable and cheering me on. I also set reasonable goals that I can measure. Being a role model to my sons for health is very important to me as well.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Over the past couple years I had some extra weight creep on in my stomach area and I wasn’t as active. I decided to make some changes. Healthy Returns data over this time has shown me I have improved my weight and lost some abdominal fat, which is great. I can also crank out many sets of push ups, no problem!
Anything else you would like to add?
It is wonderful discovering what you’re capable of if you just decide, commit and take action. I didn’t learn to snowboard until I was about 37 years old – did my first century bike ride (100 miles) when I was 44. It’s never too late to learn and try new things. Honor your body, mind and spirit with being well and ask for help and support.
Barry Glunt
Business Applications Developer
Enterprise Computing Group
Years Worked at UNH: 3
What does health mean to you?
Health means feeling alive and staying connected to spirit and participating fully in work, recreation, and family.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I enjoy talking about health and wellness with my colleagues, especially talking about healthy eating when folks are together in the break room. I participate in Healthy Returns and encourage others to do so.
How do you stay fit?
I practice Ashtanga Yoga 4 – 5 mornings a week, and jump rope for thirty minutes in the afternoon. I also enjoy practicing mindful breathing, walking and eating. The walking path from the West Edge to campus has been a great encouragement to get outside.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
A vegetarian diet is a viable option for most people, and the variety of plant-based protein products available now makes it easy to do. Invest the time in cooking healthy meals at home. These form the basis for good lunches. Also, the UNH dining halls have a great variety of healthy choices, and a meal plan adds a another option on days you cannot bring food from home. Drink lots of water.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Appreciating the good things in life and keeping a strong sense of self-esteem. Recognize that your family and friends need you to be at your best.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
I have improved my overall wellbeing by getting out of relationships that were not working and finding ones where I am appreciated and valued.
Anything else you would like to add?
You don’t have to do it on your own. Look for support from those around you, and from your spirit. Most of all, don’t wait for something bad to happen: take the first step today.
Amber Radzevich
Associate Athletic Director for Marketing & Communications
Athletics
Years Worked at UNH: 6
What does health mean to you?
Health makes it possible for me to do my job to the best of my ability and be an active participant in my life. Eating right and exercising regularly has always been important to me and my family.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I work out on a daily basis and try to bring along friends and co-workers when schedules permit.
How do you stay fit?
I lift three days per week and do cardio five days per week. We have such excellent facilities at UNH, it makes it possible to get in diverse workouts. I feel really spoiled. Whether it’s running the stairs at the Whittemore Center or lifting in the Employee Fitness Center, I have a plethora of resources available to me for different and challenging workouts. And of course, it’s vital that you make exercise a priority. It’s so easy to get sidetracked or too busy to fit in your workouts; but, the feeling you get from just 30 minutes of exercise is way better than a cup of coffee.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
The key is to plan ahead. I bring my meals to work everyday. It can get tricky when I have to work events late at night. I feel like a “pack mule” some days when I come to work with all of my meals. Invest in some Pyrex and try to prepare meals in advance. If I have my own food with me, it helps me to stay on track and avoid mindless snacking on less healthy food choices that might be available around the office.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
I played on the women’s soccer team at UNH as an undergraduate student, so it has always been a part of my lifestyle; but, our current student-athletes are a big inspiration to me. They are constantly working on improving their fitness and strength and they serve as a great motivator. Staying active is a necessity for me and I am constantly trying to create new challenges, whether it’s a road race or competing in a figure competition, to strive for better overall health.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
I have improved my strength significantly through weight training and after recently learning that I am a reactive hypoglycemic, I have made some significant changes to my diet. Eating “clean” and focusing on getting enough protein in my diet has improved my quality of life and energy levels throughout the day. I am in control of my health and that is really empowering.
Anything else you would like to add?
Clean eating and exercising regularly are rewards for your body and your mind. It takes dedication; but, a commitment to your health is the most important gift you can give to yourself and to your loved ones.
Joanne Samuels
Assistant Professor
Nursing
Years Worked at UNH: 3
What does health mean to you?
Health means that I can do what I want, when I want.
How do you stay fit?
I life an active lifestyle. I spin two to three times per week and lifet weights twice per week. On weekends in the summer I bike and kayak, and in the winter I will bike if there is no ice on the roads. I also cross country ski and snowshoe. I try to eat right, especially during the week, but on the weekends I have to admit to a few extra calories.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
Just do the best you can. I started by weighing and measuring everything to obtain a sense of portion size. Unfortunately, I have to admit that there is more than ½ cup in a large bowl of ice cream. Next I eliminated all saturated fat and salt, and minimized as best I could white flour and white sugar. I also bring my food to work – even coffee. It takes a little bit of planning, but it not only saves calories but a whole bunch of money.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Truly, I don’t think I have the strength or courage it takes to be sick. I could never stick to a regime of medications, doctor visits, etc. Rehabilitation is hard work. I also really like the feeling of being strong.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Absolutely. After lifting the veil of denial (mirrors lie, pictures don’t) I started to address my eating habits. The fight continues, but I did manage to get my blood pressure down without medications. I also started taking supplements like omega 3 and 6 and daily vitamins. I have been exercising since college, so that was a plus.
Anything else you would like to add?
Changing your lifestyle and resisting the ever present temptations requires daily vigilance. The important thing is that people get back on the wagon after they may falter occasionally. Changes happen slowly despite our need for immediate reinforcement, but the rewards and the feeling of accomplishment is great and can fuel future successes. I do some of my best thinking when at an exercise peak. It is very cool. Ride like a girl!
Laura Davie
Project Director
NH Institute for Health Policy and Practice
Years Worked at UNH: 5
What does health mean to you?
Health is a combination of feeling physically fit, having good “numbers” (like blood pressure and cholesterol), and feeling well mentally.
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I consider the cost of services across different providers when I need care, see a chiropractor on a regular bases, take advantage of the exercise opportunities on campus, eat healthy foods, and listen to music when I am getting stressed at work.
How do you stay fit?
Right now I am biking a lot but I also hike, use the elliptical machine, lift weights, stretch, Pilates, and walk the dog.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
The key for me is to not have unhealthy things in the house or in the office. If I can see it, I will eat it.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
I just feel better when I am exercising and my clothes fit.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Recently, I significantly reduced the amount of caffeinated diet soda I was drinking (down to one a day!). While I still drink coffee, I have not increased my coffee intake. I feel more rested in the morning and have fewer energy swings during the day.
Sinthy Kounlasa
Administrative Assistant III
Economics
Years Worked at UNH: 25
What does health mean to you?
It means a billion bucks!
What do you do to make a Healthy UNH?
I eat right by choosing healthy foods and I try think positively. I encourage others to do the same.
How do you stay fit?
I've done running races ranging from 5Ks to 50 mile trail races and have even run some mountains: Loon, Cranmore, Mt. Washington, Pack Manadnock, and Jay Mountain. I have done 3 sprint triathlons, one international triathlon, and one Half Iron Man triathlon.
Do you have any tips for eating healthfully?
I avoid eating out - especially at fast food restaurants. The best thing about eating at home is that when I cook, I know that what I'm eating is healthy and clean because I am in control of the ingredients.
How do you find motivation to stay healthy?
Motivation comes from being a grandmother. I need to set a good example to all of my children and grandchildren. I want to be healthy so that I can help take care of my grandchildren and to live long enough to see them in college and have their own families.
Have you made any tangible improvements to your health by making positive changes in your life?
Yes! It shows and I can feel it!